California-based SpaceX launched its unmanned Falcon rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida at around 8:35 p.m. Eastern.Aboard the rocket is a Dragon capsule holding half-a-tonne of cargo, including chocolate-vanilla swirl ice cream for the three station residents.This is the first Dragon launch under a $1.6 billion dollar contract between SpaceX and NASA. The mega-contract calls for 12 resupply missions in total. A Dragon flew to the space station in May, but it was a test so nothing vital was aboard. The newest Dragon is hauling key experiments and other precious gear.Dragon will reach the orbiting lab Wednesday and will remain docked for nearly three weeks before returning to Earth with an even bigger load.